Murad Clarifying Oil Free Water Gel

ith a lexicon dominated by words like “combat”, “battle”, “fight” and “kill”, the way in which we approach acne has long meant taking a war-like stance in which each of us, an Army of one, strap up to obliterate offending pimples— and anything in their path. You’d think such resolve would produce victorious results, but it often just creates angry, inflamed skin and ever-resolute breakouts. Murad’s new Clarifying Oil-Free Water Gel aims to rectify this vicious cycle, not with brute force, but a technology that mimics social distancing (truly a lifesaver) for acne bacteria. Around 85 percent of 12 to 24 years olds and 15 percent of adult women suffer from acne, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Thanks to emerging microbiome research, the way in which we address acne is finally starting to change. By acknowledging the importance of bacteria diversity on the skin—and the need to foster it—researchers are finding the path to clear complexions may not require a battleground mentality and arsenal of harsh prescriptions, but ingredients that protect the skin’s natural flora and sneakily dissuade acne-causing bacteria from forming zits.